New regulations slash fees on foreign cruise vessels

A new regulation has been issued to change some of the fees charged on foreign tourist vessels.

A regulation was passed in September to increase fees for foreign yachts, cruise liners and safari vessels.

The Ministry of Tourism has gazetted a new regulation on Tuesday.

According to the new regulations, passenger liners arriving in Maldives for a period of less than seven days will be exempt from the USD 100 per day fee for docking or operating in Maldivian territory.

The regulations define passenger line as foreign tourist vessels carrying more than 50 tourists for a period of less than seven days.

In addition, the vessels will not be required to obtain a charter licence.

Although exempted from docking and driving fees, passenger liners arriving for less than seven days will also have to pay a fee of USD 850 per day.

Tourist vehicles are licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. If such vessels are larger than 20 metres, cruising is permitted upon payment of a USD 1,000 fee. Smaller vehicles are allowed without paying a fee.

The increase in fees charged from foreign tourist vehicles has reduced the number of tourist vehicles coming to Maldives. The regulation, which was drafted by the previous government, was repealed and a new regulation was issued on Tuesday.